Top Ten Power Tools...If you could only have Ten

My list would be pretty much the same.

I would swap out the jointer for a chainsaw.

I would swap out the Domino for a trim router, or angle grinder.

A corded hammer drill would also be high on my list, but not really necessary for woodshop woodworking.

-- WWBBJ: It is better to be interesting and wrong, than boring and right.

That’s pretty close to my list save for the domino, too pricey for a one trick pony. Another thing to consider is the scope of work being done, someone who’s predominately building cabinets might need an altered list from someone building mostly jewelry sized boxes. A lathe could be added too, again depending on what work is being done.

-- "Lack of effort will result in failure with amazing predictability" - Me

It depends entirely on what kind of woodworking you do. We did without any power tools for tens of thousands of years. If you happen to be a turner, then you need the lathe and BS. Some like to do fretwork, so a fretsaw is required. If I were to do any of my speakers in more than a one-off, a 5 axis CNC router and a TS would be al lI needed.

You could cheat and claim a Shop-Smith as one tool. ( TS, BS, Lathe, DP)
A RAS does about half the jobs, though much more dangerously including some I know no other way to do.
I could easily do without the Domino or my Biscuit cutter.
A plunge router can do the job. With jigs, it can do a lot of things.
I would put a compressor on the list for nailers, vacuum bagging, and finishing.
I use a jig saw quite a bit. Even more now it is cordless and easier to grab.
I use my disk sander more than my oscillating sander.
With enough setup, I can make a drill press a drill, morticer, disk sander, spindle sander, and lathe.

Come to think about it, I would not want to be without my Fein HEPA vac.

You forgot a dust collector.

You need multiple drills, routers and sanders.

Multiple drills to pilot and drive without changing bits.

Table router, handheld router, trim router and possibly a 2nd table router with a dedicated round over bit. Sometimes a dedicated router for dovetails.

Multiple ROS’s for different grits so you’re not changing disks all the time.

I have an OSS/OSB sander, disc sander, two ROS’s, knife sander, stationary belt sander, detail sander.

Drill press bearings aren’t normally designed to carry lateral stress so using one with a sanding drum can be problematic and dust collection is an issue.

Lathe.

-- The hump with the stump and the pump!

While having a siesta today, I remembered that I use a belt sander quite alot.

-- WWBBJ: It is better to be interesting and wrong, than boring and right.

I’ll post cause my will probably be a little different-

1 table saw
2 sliding chop saw
3 router
4 shaper
5 wide belt/drum sander
6 woodmaster planer
7 vertical panel saw
8 domino
9 AAA sprayer
10 dust collection

Not including drill cause everyone should have that anyway. Also not including stuff you can get for less than 100$

Omission that really hurts-bandsaw

I could come up with a top ten list, but then I’d have to reserve the ability to update it as needed 8^)

I’d be like Steve Martin in “The Jerk” when he leaves his corporation after going bankrupt. I’d even take the lamp.

I could come up with a top ten list, but then I d have to reserve the ability to update it as needed 8^)

I d be like Steve Martin in “The Jerk” when he leaves his corporation after going bankrupt. I d even take the lamp.

- splintergroup

Ya 20 would be a better number. :)

1. Table saw
2. Router
3. Belt Sander
4. OSS
5. Drill Press
6. Planer
7. Lathe
8. Bandsaw
9. Chainsaw
10. Bench Grinder

-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA

As for power tools, i mainly use:

Table saw
Cordless drill
Router

I have others that get used occasionally, but my local lumberyard mainly carries S2S

Air compressor.

-- The hump with the stump and the pump!

Do you consider a good solid workbench as a tool, I know I would have a tough time in the shop without one. I would swap out the Domino for a lathe or a workbench.

-- Daniel, Pontiac, MI

Unless you have to plug your workbench in to use it, I think you get to keep it in addition to your 10 choices ;-)

-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA

Well you get to make a workbench with all the tools.